Walden Pond is one of those summer daytrips that you arrange while you daydream about pulling a Bon Iver, lounging in a cabin by yourself for a few months, and dreamily punching out your brilliant novel on a vintage typewriter. But we'll let you in on a secret: if Henry David Thoreau showed up tomorrow, fishing rod and pen in hand, lookin' to catch some pond-side peace and tranquility, we're not sure Walden is where he'd find it. But here's the good news! You're not a 19th-century Transcendentalist, so it will suit you just fine. The reservation includes 335 acres of open space for you and yours to hike through, swim in, and picnic on. Pets aren't allowed, along with fire (obviously) or grills, and leave the beers at home, since this is a family joint.